Roofing material



March 27, 1928.

1,663,565 T. ROBINSON R0 OFING MATERIAL Filed Aug. 15, .1923,

\ .2 Sheets-Sheet 2 6 ATTORNEYS shingles on the roof.

Patented Mar. 27', 1 928.

THOMAS ROBINSON;

OE BABYLON, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO ANAOONDA. SALES COMI- PANY, A CORPORATION OF DELAWARE.

ROOFING MATERIAL.

Application filed August 15, 1923. Serial No. 657,472.

This invention relates to a roofing material especially devised for use as a flashing st rip, such as is now commonly used around chimneys, in valleys, on ridges, and i as eaves starters, and the new material is one which afiords all the advantages of a metal flashing but is much cheaper to manufacture and more easily laid so as to provide a tight root.

ordinary shingle roof, metal strips are employed, these strips being bent to lie in the valley" or gutter, and then held in place with their lateral edges overlain by adjacent A metal gutter or valley is desirable as it is smooth so that dirt, twigs, etc., will accumulate only with difliculty, but a high grade metal flashing material such as copper, is relatively expensive...

Also with any such inetalmaterial, it is difficult to secure a tight joint between the upper face of themetal and the under surface of the shingles which'overlie'it', so that to make the root water-tight, it is customary 7 to make the metal considerably wider than is actually required to secured a lap, in order that the joint may be as water-tight as possible.

The present invention is directed to the provision of a material which includes a thin layer of metal of insuiiicient mechanical strcn gth for use alone, and a supporting base to which the metal is applied..- The metal preferably used is copper on account of its: good weather-resisting qualities; and while various composition bases may be: used, I prefer to employ a relatively thin web of asphalt impregnated and coated felt The metal is in the form of a strip of less width than the felt and is laid lengthwise of the latter and spaced equally from the felt margins. The metal thus protects a central. zone along the felt and when the material is used for a valley, only part exposed. The selvages of the felt lie under the adjacent shingles and thus the joint between the flashing and shingles is made between the relatively soft, coated felt and the shingles, instead of between metal and shingles. In this way, a tight joint may readily be secured, and while the valleyitself has a metal exposure a much less width of For valley or gutter construction in the.

for example, the metal is the metal is required. Also by reason of the use of the supporting base, the metal in the new material is much that ordinarily required.

lVhilo the new material is intended primarily'as a flashing, it may be utilized in other ways, as will be made clear inthe following.

In the accompanying drawings 1 have illustrated that embodiment of my invention which is now preferred, and I have also illustrated many of the uses to which it may be put. In these drawin s,

Fig. 1 is a plan view 0 a portion of a roll of the new roofing,

Fig. 2 is a transverse cross section,

Fig.3 is a' view in perspective of a house roof having the irregular gables and other projections which frequently occur in house architecture, p Fig.v 4 is a view in perspective, showing the new material used to form a valley,

Fig. 5 is a view substantially in plan showing the valley construction,

Fig. 6 is a plan view showing a portion of a strip of the roofing showing its adaptation for ridge construction,

Figs. 7, 8 and 9 are perspective detail views of such a ridge construction,

Figs, 10 and 11 are cross-sectional views of details on the line 101O of Fig. 8,

Fig. 12 shows the application of the new roofing for hip construction,

Fig. 13 is a plan view of the'new roofing to be out along a line indicated for use as an eaves starter, I

Fig. 14: shows a detail. of aroof with the material in use as an eaves starter,

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a portionv of the roof showing the new roofing used as a flashing strip, and

16, 17 and 18 are perspective views of different types of roofs, showing the new material applied in various Ways;

In Fig.

Owing tothe thinness and flexibility of the material, itmay be readily wound in roll of being bent to by theconfiguration of the roof at the place lighter in weight than 1, there is illustrated a portion of the new flashing material drawn from a rolh.

where it is to be used. The flashing material comprises a base 19 of various materials, of which felt impregnated and coated with asphalt is an example, though the base should be of considerably lighter weight material than is used in the standard product which is used without metal. Applied centrally along one face of the base, so as to leave uncovered selvage portions 20 and 21, is a wear strip 22, preferably formed of a weather-resisting metal, such as copper .or zinc. The method and apparatus by which such a material may be constructed has been illustrated and described in the co-pending application of Julius H. Gillis, Ser. No. 657,490, filed Aug. 15, 1923, and as there set forth,- the metallic wear strip applied to the base so as to conform to the irregularities thereof is more rigidly held in place by the application of heat which serves to soften the plastic asphaltic base coating and cause it to wet and adhere to the strip. The base material is sufliciently thin so as to have considerable flexibility so that it may be used in angles, along ridges, and at various other locations as required by the shape of the roof. Also the metallic strip applied to the base and bound firmly thereto, is, sufliciently thin so that it will bend readily and con form to the shape given the base without separating therefrom.

While the various locations in which such a roofing is to be used, determine, to some extent,.that portion of the surface which will be exposed to the weather and while the metallic strip is intended to be applied only formed along the lines to the weather surface, I have found that by covering a longitudinal zone of the base surface which is symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis, it is possible to make use of the new material with but little necessity for cutting and consequently with little waste. In order to provide satisfactory joints between adjacent strips of the roofing or between the strip and adjacent shingles. when the main body of the roof is to be construeted of such elements, the protected zone does not extend throughout the width of the base, but there remain selvage portions on either side of this zone .which are unprotected. These selvage portions permit of forming joints between unprotected compo-f sition surfaces, thus avoiding leakage due to eapillarity and insuring that the nails or other means for securing the roofing to the roof frame will not produce apertures which would give rise to leaks. en nails are driven throu h metal, the expansion and contraction of the metal due to temperature changes, has a tendency to enlarge the nail holes, but this difficulty is overcome by providing the uncoated selvage through which the. securing means pass.

I have found that a composition roofing above set forth has the widest application, and may be used to the greatest extent without waste when the width of the web or roll of the base material is about 18" and the metal strip, about one foot in width, is located centrally thereof so 70 continuously removed from a cathode and directly applied to the base thereafter, these processes being described in the co-pending application above designated.

'The many applications of the new roofing material will be better understood from a consideration of the remaining figures of the drawings.

Fig. 3 isa perspective View of a roof, the ridge being indicated by R, a hip by H, and a valley byV. The caves are indicated at E, and F indicates a location where a flashing strip is ordinarily provided.

In Fig. 5 there is shown the application of the new roofing material to valley construetion. As will be seen in Fig. 3, a valley is formed between the main body ofthe roof and a projecting gable 23, as an angle between intersecting planes. In laying the roof, in this location, is first covered by a strip of roofing 24, Fig. 5, the longitudinal axis of which lies along the apex of the angle with the selvage portions of the base at some distance therefrom on either side. The strip, being flexible, may be bent to conform closely to the side walls of the Valley and is secured to the roof framework by means of nails 25, driven through the selvages. The roofing elements 26 which may be wood shingles, slates, composition elements, or roll roofing, are then laid so as to overlie the metal, as at 27, and with this arrangement the valley is protected by means of a continuous strip of the new material, the exposed surface of the valley being protected by the metallic layer. The joint .between the edges of the strip and the elements 26 is formed between the under surface of these elements, and the upper surface of the selvage portions of the strip, and this produces a much more satisfactory and water-tight joint than would be possible if the elements were laid over a continuous sheet of metal, as at 27. The new material has the advantages over metal previously referred to, and such a valley construction is thoroughly satisfactory from all points of view.

Fig. 4.- illustrates' in perspective the form of the strip as it lies in the valley and shows the continuous metal weather surface, and the selvage portions by means of which the joints are made. s

, Fig. 8 illustrates a ridge construction such as is indicated at R in Fig. 3. For that purpose the strip will be cut longitudinally the apex of the angle as indicated at 28, Fig. 6, and these lon itudinal portions then divided into smal or units along the lines 29, 29. A single. unit 30, is then bent as shown in Fig. 7, in which the uncoated selvage portion is indicated at 31 and the metal surface at 32. These bent units are then laid so as to overlie the apex of the ridge and the upper edges of the last course of rooting element 33, and are secured in place by nails 34 which are driven through the selvage portions. The units-are laid to overlap and so that the joints between adjacent units will be staggered with relation to the joints between adjacent elements of the main body of the roof. It will be noted that the joints be-' tween units along the ridge will be formed between contacting surfaces of the selvage and the rear surface of the base. In other words, these contacting surfaces are both uncoated base material. The ridge, therefore, has a water-tight joint construction and is formed by overlapping elements which correspond in general to the shape and size of the elements of which the main body of the roof is formedf Also the nails which secure these units along the ridge do not pass through the metal layer and are concealed by the metal-covered portion of the adjacent unit.

In Fig. 9 there is shown an alternative ridge construction in which it is not necessary to cut the strip roofing. For this purpose the selvage portions indicated at 35, 35,

are bent back against the rear of the base,

the line of bending being located so that the bent edge is protected as at 36 by the metal layer. The strip is then bent along its longitudinal axis as at 37 and is then laid so as to overlie the upper edges of the two last courses of elements on either side of the ridge, being secured in place by nails which pass through the metal'coating and through the selvage portion overlying it. In this way the difficulties due to the formation of nail holes through plain metal are avoided, since the selvage is turned in beneath the metal, the nails thus passing through two layers of felt, which prevents leakage. If desired, it is also possible to make use of a ridge construction which is similar to that used in the case of the valley as shown in Fig. 5, but in such construction the upper edges of the last course of elements on either side of the ridge would be exposed and this arrangement is not'so satisfactory on account of the unfinished appearance which might result. In Figs. 10 and 11 there are shown two cross-sectional views along the line 10-10 in Fig. 8, which show the 'idge units laid in overlapping relation. In Fig. 10 these units are so placed that the metal covered edge of one lies even with the edge of the metal covering on the unit below, while in Fig. 11 somewhat greater overlapping is allowed so that the exposed edge of one slightly overlies the metal layer on the unitbelow, as at 39. In either case the nails 3% will be seen to be concealed and the joint between adjacent units is formed as at 40,

between composition surfaces.

In Fig. 12 there is shown a hip construction which is in general similar to the ridge construction illustrated in Fig. 8, units similar to 30 being cut from the strip roofing andthen being laid in place in the usual manner. metal portion of each unit is exposed and the edges 41 of the roofing elements forming the main body of roof are concealed beneath these units 30. v

Fig. 13 illustrates the roofing material in its adaptation as an eaves starter for which purpose the strip is out along its longitudinal. axis as at 42, and the half strip secured in place along the eaves as shown in Figplt. This arrangement is particularly useful in connection with composition elements formed with cut-outs as at 43 which serve to give. the multiple units the appearance at the ordinary shingle roof construction. It will be seen that the first course of elements lies directly on the roof boards and that portion of the roof which underlies the cut-outs would ordinarily be exposed. It is therefore necessary to provide a protective layer beneath this first. course and this is taken care of by the half strip previously re terred to. This is laid along the edge of the root with the metallic layer toward the edge, as at 44, and the strip is secured by nails 3- passing through the selvage. The portions of the roof whichwould normally be exposed through the indentations arenow protected by the composite material, the base of which is further protected by the metallic layer.

In Fig. 15 I have illustrated the application of the new material .as a flashing strip which would be used at a location similar to that shown at F in Fig. 3. For this purpose'the strip is cut along the line 42, shown in Fig. 13, .and the half strip so formed is bent at an angle. That portion carrying the selvage is then laid against the face of the vertical part of the roof as shown in Fig. 15, and attached thereto by nails through the selvage in the manner illustrated at 34 in Fig. 14. The slungles of the lowest course on the vertical face of the roof are then laid to overlie this selvage portion and also the edge of the metallic strip adjacent thereto. The exposed area of the. strip indicated at 45 is all protected by metal and the lower edge of the strip then overlies the elements 46 which form the main body of the. relatively horizontal part of the roof at the point where the flashing is placed. Instead of the latter arrangement however, the ele- IVith this arrangementv only the.

ments 46 may be caused to overlie the lower part of the angular flashing, in which event the upper edges would be placed tightly against the vertical part of the flashing strip so as to cover all butthe area lyin on the vertical surface just below the lowest course of shingles.

It will be understood that when the roof is formed of roofing elements such as single or multiple shingles, it is desirable that the ridges, hips, fiashings, etc., should be formed of units which are similar in appearance to these elements so that the hips, etc., are not readily distinguishable from -the rest of the roof. Accordingly, when hips, ridges, etc., are formed by the use of the general purpose roofing described herein, the web will be cut so as to form units which are of about the same size and shape as the elements laid on the main body of the roof. The Web, however, is so formed that the longitudinal and cross-wise cutting illustrated in Fig. 6 will be used, and the units so formed are of the proper size foruse with the composition roofing elements now on the market in the form of single or multiple shingles. IVhen the appearance of the elements cannot be imitated by cutting the strip as referred to, other cuts may be made as desired, and, in general, this formation of hips, ridges, and the like by the use of overlapping elements is preferred by reason of the possibility of thus protecting this particular location without using material which is" different in general appearance from the rest of the roof. However, the

formation of these features of the roof by units cut from a strip-is somewhat more costly than when a continuous strip, such as is illustrated in Fig. 9, is employed, and

this item of cost may be the determining factor as to which method is employed. With either construction, however, the particular location to which the roofing has been applied, is thoroughly protected, the weather surface of the product being covered by the metallic layer and the joints formed by means of the uncovered selvage portions.

The new flashing strip is not only useful for the formation of ridges, hips, and the like, but is also suitable for forming the inain body of the roof, useful when a cheap construction is desired therefor and in Figs.

16, 17 and 18 there are shown three different types of such roofing construction. Fig. 16 shows the simplest construction in which the strip has been cut longitudiii'ally along its axis along the line 42 of Fig. 13. These longitudinal portions are then laid in overlying relation and nails 47 are used to secure the strips to the framework of the roof. The metal protected surface 48 of one strip will overlie as at 49, the selvage of the strip next beneath and the nails 47 will pass through the metal sheet, then through the selvage, into the roof boards. The joints between the overlying strips are formed between contacting surfaces of the base composition and the nail holes formed in the,

metal do not cause leakage because the nails thereafter pass through thicknesses of the base and of the sclvage portion. In the con struction illustrated in Fig. 16, the roof formed is substantially a continuous sheet of metal but has the heat insulating qualities of the composition root.

In Fig. 17 the overlapping portions ofthe strips are raised above the roof surface and the strips are used without cutting. In this arrangement the upper sclvagc portion 50 of the lowest course lies against the framework. The selvage 51 of the next strip 52 is then bent back underneath the strip 52, and a wooden anchoring strip 53 is laid over the contacting sclvage portions and secured thereto by nails 54 which pass through strip 53 and the two selvages beneath it. The upper strip 52 is then bent over the wood so as to conceal it and this construction is repeated with the next strip 55. Thc'lower selvage portion of the strip 52-is bent back to suchan extent that the entire exposed portion of the strip 52 is covered by metal throughout the surfaces 56 and 57. Ordinarily the construction illustrated in Fig. 17 will be used with the strips running horizontally along the roofing.

The construction illustrated in Fig. 18 is preferred when there are to be formed a series of projecting ridges which run Vertically up and down the roof. In this arrangement the strips are also used without cutting and a forming strip 58 is used, over the top and one side surface of which is laid theselvage portion. 59, of a roofing strip. On the other'side of the member 58 is laid another strip of roofing and its selvage portion is caused to cover the top of the strip 58 and the other side wall thereof, as at 60. With the two strips lying with their selvages in overlapping relation over the forming strip 58,21 strip cut from the metal-covered zone of a roll of roofing is just wide enough to cover the three exposed sides of the member 58. This metal-covered strip is placed on top of the member 58, over which the selvages have been folded, is folded down over these selvages so as to conceal them, and is then nailed to the member 58 by nails along the sides and top as at 62. With this arrangementthe roof has a series of vertical ribs and the entire roofing surface is covered with metal. The roofing material, however, which has been applied to the roof, is held in place by means of nails or similar fastening devices, which pass through the composition base, material, and accordingly these nails do not produce leakage. Also the joints betweenadjacent strips are formed by contacting surfaces of uncoated base material, and these 'oints are therefore water-tight and no soldering is necessary between metal portions.

I claim: h

1. A roofing material suitable for flashings, valleys, and the like, which comprises a strip of relatively thin, fibrous, waterproof material readily flexible longitudinally andtransversely, and a band of weather-resisting metal narrower .than the strip applied to one face thereof so as to leave uncovered selvages of substantial width, the metal band being'of insufiicient mechanical strength to permit its use alone, and being readily flexible so that the strip is stiflened only to aslight extent by it s application.

2. A roofing material suitable for flashings, valleys, and-the like, which comprises a strip of relatively thin felt impregnated and coated with asphalt, and readily flexible both longitudinally and transversely, and aband of copper secured to one face of the strip, the band being narrower than the strip and covering a central donebeyond which selvage edges of felt of equal width are exposed, the metal being of insufficient mechanical strength to permit its use alone, and being readily flexible so that the strip is stifiened only to a slight extent by its application.

,In testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

THOMAS ROBINSON. 

